Q: If a newborn baby dies before completing seven days of his birth, is there an obligatory `Aqiqah (sacrifice for a newborn) due for him?

A: When a newborn baby dies before completing seven days, his family should set up `Aqiqah on his behalf. His death before completing seven days does not prevent offering it on the seventh day because we do not know any other proofs that contradict the legal evidences reported in this regard due to his death before its due time. All evidences are general and indicate that `Aqiqah begins by giving birth and should be offered on the seventh day. The case under discussion is included in this form of generality. We do not know of any other proof that excludes it from (Part No. 11; Page No. 446) the previous generalization.Fixing the seventh day after birth for slaughtering does not mean that its permissibility does not begin except on the seventh day because giving birth is the reason of setting up `Aqiqah. The seventh day is the best time for executing this permissible matter. Therefore, if we slaughter before the seventh day, it will be sufficient as is the opinion of Ibn Al-Qayyim and those who agreed with him.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.